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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the myth, where was Athena born?

2. According to the hymn, how does Demeter try to make a child immortal?

3. Which disguise does Demeter use in the hymn?

4. How does the narrative of The Hymn to Aphrodite describe her preparations for approaching Anchises?

5. Who is Athena's father?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Athena's birth described in The Hymn to Athena?

2. How many hymns are written about Hestia and what is she praised for?

3. What is Aphrodite known for, and which three goddesses cannot be influenced by her?

4. What metaphor is used to describe the moon in The Hymn to the Moon?

5. Who assists the poet in the beginning of The Hymn to the Moon, and what is the moon's name?

6. What happens to Demeter's daughter and how does Demeter initially respond?

7. What happens when Aphrodite meets Anchises?

8. What type of goddess is Demeter and how many hymns are dedicated to her?

9. Who is Hephaistos and what is he known for?

10. What metaphor is used to describe the sun in The Hymn to the Sun?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare Zeus and Poseidon in terms of characteristics, skills, reputation, and influence. Also, explain some of the possible reasons why the hymns for both Zeus and Poseidon might have been so short. Use The Hymn to Zeus and The Hymn to Poseidon as a reference to support your analysis.

Essay Topic 2

The Hymn to Hermes is the longest hymn of the collection.

1) Describe Hermes's birth, childhood, and characteristics.

2) Explain how Hermes invents the lyre.

3) Describe the theft of Apollo's cattle and the response of Maia, Apollo, and Zeus to Hermes's crime.

Essay Topic 3

Nature is a major element that is explored in Greek mythology.

1) Explain The Hymn to the Earth and the ways that Earth's blessings are manifested, using the hymn to provide examples of the Earth's characteristics and qualities, as well as what the poet gives her credit for and why.

2) Analyze the metaphors that are used in The Hymn to the Sun and The Hymn to the Moon along with the different powers that both the sun and moon possess.

3) Explain the origin of Castor and Pollux and what their existence means to the Greeks and nature.

(see the answer keys)

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